As an investor, a host to the students at my local business, a mentor, and a board member, I’m honored to be involved in the CEO program in almost every way possible. Being so involved has given me a unique perspective of the program, but being a mom of 2 sons who have graduated from the program, I recognize firsthand the impact this program has on our students and our community. I am so very thankful to be a part of this life changing program. 

My name is Rick Marteeny. I’m a local State Farm Insurance agent in Edwardsville, IL.  

I live in Glen Carbon with my wife Chery and our dog Oscar. We have two children, Carter (25) who is a commercial real estate broker and CEO program mentor, and my daughter Cami (20) who is a sophomore psychology major at the University of Missouri.  

I’ve been involved with the Edwardsville CEO program for the past 6 years as an investor, guest speaker, and board member. 

I’ve been excited to serve the CEO students and our local community through this unique program. Helping young entrepreneurs develop the confidence to start a small business, learn how to develop real world communication skills, and to create unique marketing strategies is at the heart of why I invest in CEO. 

In addition to my CEO board involvement, I am also active as a board member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, active in our local Edwardsville Rotary Club, a member of the Glen Ed Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of Metro Community Church in Edwardsville. 

I am excited to continue serving the students and facilitators of the Edwardsville CEO program. 

During my working years at three of the nation’s larger banking institutions, I became a nationally recognized expert in the Human Resources Compensation discipline within the financial services sector. Following my banking career, I entered the consulting field at a large international consulting firm and acted as a Senior Consultant and Account Executive with major financial sector clients including the nation’s top 60 financial institutions focusing on compensation. I closed out my career as the Director of Compensation and International Relocation at the parent company. Following my retirement from corporate life, I continued as an independent Compensation Consultant for an additional eight years. I am a founding Board member of the Edwardsville CEO program. As such, it has been a joy to watch the development of our students each year in terms of maturity and business knowledge and the resulting ability to use their acquired problem-solving skills at a level far above their non-CEO peers.

I've been involved on the Edwardsville CEO board since the inception of the program. I have watched every step of the process and have especially enjoyed seeing the program grow. Personally and professionally, I appreciate seeing all walks of life find business success with something they are passionate about. CEO is the best local program that I've found that is uniquely focused on these skills. I live in Edwardsville with my wife and three children.

I have been part of the CEO program since 2019 serving as a mentor and investor. It is extremely rewarding watching students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, sharpen their leadership skills, and build confidence. Knowing that this program will have such a positive impact on their futures, whether it is as a business owner or leader within their company is something of which I am very proud.

What a privilege to be a board member and investor of such a wonderful program! I joined the CEO program with the first class in 2019 and have been truly amazed at the level of enthusiasm and maturity that these students possess. The individual growth from the first day of the program to the last is extraordinary. I look forward to seeing what these future leaders can do within their communities with the knowledge they acquired in this program.